Tag Archives: Acoustic-electric

Classic styling and modern components come together in the Gibson J-45 Standard, a “workhorse” of an acoustic-electric guitar that, since its introduction in 1942, has set a standard for Gibson’s line of round-shoulder, dreadnought guitars. As one of the company’s best-selling acoustics, the J-45 Standard is highly regarded for its full and balanced expression, warm bass, and excellent projection. With Rotomatic tuners, beautiful tonewoods, and an L.R. Baggs Element pickup, Gibson’s J-45 Standard begs to be played.

Top-quality tonewoods and craftsmanship give the gibson j-45 acoustic Standard its expressive sound, projection, and superior feel. The guitar’s top is constructed of AA-grade Sitka spruce, while the back and sides are made from pattern-grade Honduras mahogany. Simple yet sweet, the rosette on the J-45 Standard is a single ring consisting of three-ply binding. Rounding out the instrument is a fingerboard made of high-grade rosewood, along with dot inlays made of pretty mother-of-pearl.

Grover Tuners at Your Service
The J-45 is equipped with nickel Grover Rotomatic tuners for precision tuning and performance. To prevent slippage, all moving parts are cut for exact meshing, and a countersunk tension screw lets you control the tuning tension to any degree. The Rotomatics get their smooth, accurate tuning stability from a special lubricant inside the gear box.

X-Braced for Great Acoustic Projection
Slightly different than other Gibson acoustic guitars, the j-45 custom rosewood has a variation of the company’s X bracing design situated behind the sound hole, with a set of thin, tall braces for the back and scalloped thin, tall braces for the top. Thanks to this bracing pattern, you get a guitar that delivers a balanced expression with punchy, deep lows, warm mids, and clear, crisp highs. This instrument is ideal for any guitarist wanting a natural, open, musically robust sound.

This is a nice ax, but check out both the J-45 Custom and its cousin the J-45 Standard to get a good sense of the difference, and of the controversy that can arise among guitars players who sometimes take this stuff a little too seriously. The Custom, with hardshell case, can be had for under $2,800 with a little shopping, a pretty good price when compared to what other guitars are going for these days.